The night guard may be recommended in several cases. Bruxism and TMJ disorders, are the most common reasons dentists will recommend wearing this type of device.
What is a night guard?
The night guard is a temporary dental appliance made from a generally rigid resin that prevents the teeth of the upper jaw from coming into contact with those of the lower jaw. If it is possible to get "soft" type aligners in pharmacies or supermarkets, it is however recommended to call a dentist's office in order to benefit from a custom night guard, made from the imprint of your own teeth.
Occlusal plate against bruxism
Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a problem that affects both adults and children. Often due to stress and anxiety, it can also appear after taking certain medications or result from improper alignment of the teeth. It has the effect of accelerating the wear and tear of the teeth and causing many ailments (muscle pain, joint pain, tooth sensitivity, migraines, etc.). Night guards do not prevent bruxism, but they make it possible to considerably reduce the harmful effects of the disorder. The plate can be placed on the upper or lower arch, depending on the needs and preference of the patient. Most of the time, the bite plate is worn at night, but sometimes it is also worn during the day (some even keep it on during meals). People who suffer from teeth grinding benefit greatly from the benefits of night guards, which notably lead to relaxation of the jaw muscles. The wear of the teeth is immediately stopped, which allows to take the time to treat the problem at the base (stress management for example) and to repair the damage caused by bruxism when the teeth have been damaged.
Occlusal plate against TMJ disorders
Bruxism tends to lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, the risk is then to damage the disc protecting the cartilage, all resulting in a misaligned jaw. Remember that the temporomandibular joints are the joints that unite the lower jaw to the bone of the skull. They are therefore located on each side of the face, in front of the ears. The occlusal plate allows in this context to relieve the pressure on the joints, its presence aims to "deprogram" the jaw by balancing the pressure on the teeth in a uniform manner. It is an ideal non-invasive procedure for treating the causes of TMJ disorders while reducing their consequences.
Night guards will not change your bite. Instead, they act like a buffer between teeth so that they cannot grind on each other and cause mouth, tooth, and jaw problems. If you have a severe enough TMJ disorder or bruxism, your dentist might recommend orthodontics or facial or oral surgery to correct the problem. The reason that night guards do not change your bite is because they are designed to fit perfectly over your dentition, which helps alleviate some of any discomfort you may feel from wearing it, but it is not designed to move your teeth or your jaw, as some invisible orthodontics do.